MOFFAT
COUNTY, COGENWEB PROJECT

THIS SITE IS UP FOR ADOPTION

Welcome
to the Moffat County, Colorado GenWeb Project. I'm your County Coordinator
for Moffat County. This site is for everyone researching their
family ties in Moffat County. Feel free to offer suggestions and submit
material for posting here. This site is yours and it is only as good
as you make it!

Brief Historyby Sam Behling

In 1876,
the territory of Colorado became a state. Less than a year later, Governor
John Routt signed a bill creating Routt County. In 1883, the northwest
area of Colorado was beginning to experience its foundation of community
spirit. William H. Tucker was the founder of Craig, which became the seat
for Moffat county. He first came to the area in the spring of 1889 looking
for a town site. After his inspection of the Craig area, he knew that
money could be made in the valley especially with such enticing prospects
as a new railroad to be included in the deal. But financing was needed
so he contacted the Reverend William Bayard Craig for the necessary financial
help. Craig, hearing about the town site project in turn called Frank
Russel and Jerry Hill. All three were enthusiastic about the project.

Together
with Mr. Tucker, they organized the Craig Land and Mercantile Company
and decided on the name of "Craig" after their chief financier.
By November, 1907, the idea of incorporating the town of Craig was taking
shape. A citizens meeting was called to consider the proposal. By Tuesday,
April 21, 1908, and after much discussion pro and con, the town became
incorporated.

In 1911,
Senator Cary introduced the Senate Bill #34 providing for the creation
of Moffat County, which was carved out of Routt county. The Bill passed
and was approved by Governor John F. Shafroth on February 27, 1911.

Names and
tidbits from old Moffat County Newspapers. Courtesy of Kathleen Anderson.

Volunteers
Needed!

Lookup
Volunteers - If you have Moffat County materials such as local history
books - a lookup now and then would be immensely helpful. Or if you can
do a quick lookup at the library from time to time.

Have
you got old yearbooks or other documents that would be helpful for Moffat
County researchers?

Index
Volunteers - Are you willing to index the surnames of a local history?
If you are - we will be glad to post them (and give you credit, of course).

Transcribers
- How about taking your daily walk through a local cemetery and transcribing
it? Take a clipboard or a tape recorder - you'll be amazed at how interesting
and enjoyable this project is. I will post any Moffat County Cemeteries
you transcribe.

Obituary
Posting - Post the Moffat County obituaries on the GenConnect boards.
We need someone who gets the local newspaper!